You realize just how much representation matters after seeing this teaser trailer.

Marvel’s Black Panther isn’t making its way to theaters until February ’18, BUT that can’t stop us from taking a closer look behind the movies looks.

​The films costume designer Ruth Carter who according to Essence, has outfitted some of the culture’s most iconic films from "Malcolm X" and "BAPS" to "Five Heartbeats" and "School Daze", is now taking on Afro-futurism fashions in Black Panther.

“I love being a costume designer because I love telling the stories of people,” she told ESSENCE. “And that’s what costume designers are; they are storytellers.”

The Oscar and Emmy-nominated designer was sure to take to Twitter addressing her inspiration behind iconic looks inspired from various tribes in Africa.

​The Maasi People of Kenya and Tanzania

The People of Mursi and Surma (Suri)

Source: /Comic Boo

​The Mursi and Surma (Suri) people are some of the tribes in Africa that practice lip stretching and Carter was sure capture its unique essence with one of the leaders in the film who sported an unforgettable emerald Suri lip disc and matching emerald suit.

Basotho People ​of Lesotho in South Africa

Source: Tumblr

The undeniable influence from the Basotho people and their heritage blankets are prominent in the film. These thick wool blankets worn as cloaks/shawls offer a deep cultural significance and history through the various symbols and bold combinations used.

Dogon Tribe of Mali

Source: Tripfreakz.com/Slash Film

The ceremonial mask of Mali can symbolize and represent different tribes and meanings depending on the color and design.

The Tuareg People

Source: trip down memory lane - blogger/ Marvel Entertainment/YouTube

This head wrap worn by this group of Islamic African people is said to have has several meanings. It is, first of all, a symbol of male identity and is also thought to protect the wearer from evil spirits.

Carter is not shying away from bringing life to an area painted to look so dim.

If that's not enough, some fans pointed out that the film's poster has a undeniable resemblance to the iconic 1967 photo of Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Oakland CA-based Black Panther Party.

Source: Daily Mail

From the representation in the clothes, the images, down to the representation in front of the camera

Source: Me.me

and behind the camera

Source: Cocoa Butter

Source: Cocoa Butter

There is a lot of direct and unapologetic African influence to be found and Carter and the rest of the team sees to it that they are properly represented in the film.

​It was all a meme!

One meme that went viral is literally being turned into a movie and we can’t contain our excitement.

​The film is set to star Rihanna alongside Lupita Nyong’o in a buddy movie based on a tweet about a photo taken in 2014 at a Miu Miu fashion show.

“Rihanna looks like she scams rich white men and Lupita is the computer smart best friend that helps plan the scans”

The tweet went as far as to capture the attention of Rihanna, Lupita, and is set to be directed by Ava DuVernay and written by Insecure writer, creator and actress Issa Rae, whose team confirmed to Vanity Fair that the project is in the works according to eonline.

Fairy God Nicki?

Source: Daily Mail

After just granting wishes for a few lucky fans by helping with college expenses, the rap goddess is waving her wand yet again.

Nicki Minaj is using her platform to expand on her generous offer to help fans pay off their education expenses. She is planning on extending her Twitter spree into an official charity where fans can enter for a chance for the queen of rap to pay the debt of school expenses.

She made this announcement on her Instagram page leaving many anxious and in wait for more information on this charity.

Source: Instagram/ nickiminaj

​She wrote in her Instagram caption:

"This makes me so happy. [A few from the other day] I'll do another impromptu payment spree in a month or 2 but pls know that I'm launching my official charity for Student Loans/Tuition Payments VERY SOON!"

​She brought the receipts, showing she wasn’t playing around when she said that she would pay for those straight “A” college students.

Nicki Minaj is paying for your college tuition, we repeat paying for your TUITION!

2017 seems to be the year queens of the music industry are deciding to give back to the college students in need of a couple stacks. Just last week, Beyonc'e launched a 'formation scholars' scholarship, now Nicki has stepped up to the offering table.

Source: CBS.com

The self-proclaimed queen of rap went on a selfless spending spree Saturday — offering to pay the school expenses of more than 20 of her supporters on Twitter from pretty much anywhere in the world!

Minaj promised she'd wire the money through and do another cash drop for even more scholars at a later date.

Jay Z is on a role when it comes to bringing awareness in the form of film.

After receiving praise from his Spike docu-series on Kalief Browder *add link* Mr. Carter didn’t stop there. Aside from producing another documentary series on Trayvon Martin with the Weinstein Company, he is now setting out to work with them again on another docu-series called ‘Race’.

Does the Carter household ever sleep?

This six-part documentary series announced by National Geographic Channel will take a blunt and provocative look into systemic injustices that are faced in America.

Source: Power 105.1 FM - iHeartRadio

According to Variety, the series will weave together documentary, animation and archival footage then delve into crime and punishment, wealth inequality, the role of social media, activism and family.

The project is set to feature first-person perspectives from a diverse group of Americans on pressing political issues including criminal justice, economic inequality and immigration reform, and on how those issues have been affected in the wake of the presidential election.

Jay Z is using his platform to speak up and about issues our minorities face and we cannot wait to see this docu-series come to life.

It's been a year since Beyoncé graced the world with Lemonade, and during that time women have raised their voices with marches against adversity. To continue on the hope for change, the queen has made a decree of a scholarship program on her website Beyonce.com, which will benefit young women studying the art, music, literature, or African-American studies at four participating institutions of higher learning.

The scholarship will be available in the 2017-18 academic semesters at Berklee College of Music, Howard University, Parsons School of Design, and Spelman College. The stance of the scholarship is meant to "encourage and support young women who are unafraid to think outside the box and are bold, creative, conscious and confident."

As she has shown us over the years and even most recently through her entire lemonade album, women empowerment is something that is very important to her as well as Michelle Obama, the former first lady who took to her Instagram to share her thoughts on the launch.

Known for rapping “what’s real” rapper J. Cole is one of the few artists whose lyrics actually have content.

With verses that touch on things other than sex, drugs, money and women, is why Cole is frankly one of the best rappers of this generation. Rappers like him are few and far in between.

When it comes to the black community in the industry, there is no doubt that the ones that make it big, sadly are the ones that have to degrade their community let alone themselves in the process.

They call it selling records; we call it selling their self-respect to the industry.

J. Cole has had enough when it comes to tearing down his peers with ‘rap beefs’ in the industry to sell records.

According to Atlanta Black Star, J. Cole stated, “For so long, my mind state was, ‘I have to show how much better than the next man I am through these bars. Who’s the best? Let me prove it.’ And it’s just like, ‘Damn, I’m really feeding into a cycle of keeping Black people down, I’m really feeding into that.'”

To avoid feeding that cycle, sometimes you just need to take a step back. Cole even moved to Raleigh, N.C., two years ago and decided to make music that was meaningful to him.

With so many chart topping reality shows (ie: Bad Girls Club, Love & Hip-Hop, House Wives, ect) that misconstrue the black persons reality who really can the community look to, to represent?

No role models and I'm here right nowNo role models to speak ofSearchin' through my memory, my memoryI couldn't find one

​The ‘moonlight’ didn’t gleam as bright as it should have at last night’s Oscars.

Lost in the confusion of the envelope fiasco, the film Moonlight was also snubbed of the recognition that it undoubtedly deserved.

Their moment was overshadowed with an underlying context of the white film (La La Land) taking the moment from the black film (Moonlight). Even though it was a ‘mishap’, the tension was undeniable but we can’t help but be more proud that it wasn’t the other way around.

Black film score: 1White film score: 1,000,000.

​Though the score difference is drastic, this one win is an accomplishment in the right direction for us all.

​Many don’t even know that history was made, so let us shed a little light on Moonlight’s achievements.

#1:

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Moonlight shattered the glass ceiling paving the way for other black films.

This coming-of-age drama about a gay black man growing up in Miami made history by becoming the first all-black cast to win an Academy Award for best picture at the Oscars.

​#2:

Source: The Indian Express

The film’s director Barry Jenkins became the first African American to score nominations for best director, best picture and best-adapted screenplay in the same year!

In his acceptance speech, Barry stated:

​"Very clearly, even in my dreams, this could not be true,"…"But to hell with dreams, I'm done with it, 'cause this is true. Oh, my goodness."

#3:

Source: KTRK

According to usatoday.com, for the Academy Awards, a win for Moonlight is a strong and hopeful statement about the future when it comes to inclusion in Hollywood.

#4:

Source: Atlanta Black Star

This is the first film that included a primarily all black cast that wasn’t about racism, slavery, or the civil rights movie to win such a prestigious award.

​#5

Source: NewNowNext

It is the first to have a gay protagonist.

​Moonlight has broken down barriers that have been held for many years. The message of equal recognition was conveyed just with this win, it doesn't mean diversity in cinema is “fixed,” but it is a strong indicator that the Academy is embracing stories that are used to being ignored.

After just premiering his documentary series on Kalief Browder (Time: The Kalief Browder Story) who spent three years awaiting a trial that never came on Rikers Island, Jay Z continues to shine light on injustices against men of color through film.

This time Jay Z and Harvey Weinstein are making moves to produce a film and a six-part docu- series based on the story of Trayvon Martin; the 17-year-old black teenager murdered by neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman in Florida back in 2012.

According to Variety, Jay and the Weinstein Company just won a “heated bidding war” over the rights to two books about Martin which the projects will be based on.

The first book they obtained the rights to is “Suspicion Nation: The Inside Story of the Trayvon Martin Injustice and Why We Continue to Repeat It,” by Lisa Bloom that tells the first-hand account of her covering the Zimmerman trial as an NBC analyst; and “Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin,” a biographical book about Martin written by his parents.

We are excited to see how Jay Z and the Weinsein Co. collaborate on a project that will shed a light on the injustices that can typically go unheard.

The power of strength lies in diversity. Though our current political office chooses to turn the other cheek when it comes to diversity, Justin Timberlake decided to take a stand and deliver an inspiring message about its importance.

At Sunday’s iHeartRadio Music Awards, Justin Timberlake decided to devote his Song of the Year acceptance speech to the importance of inclusion. He received the award for his hit "Can't Stop The Feeling" from the DreamWorks Animation film Trolls.

In an inspiring acceptance speech, he stated how he wrote the song about being togetherness and inclusion and to take the opportunity to speak to the young people.

"BEING DIFFERENT MEANS YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE.”

​“If you are black or you are brown or you are gay or you are lesbian or you are trans — or maybe you’re just a sissy singing boy from Tennessee,” Timberlake continued, to growing applause. “Anyone that is treating you unkindly, it’s only because they are afraid or they have been taught to be afraid of how important you are. Because being different means you make the difference.”

​In a single unifying and uplifting speech, he was able to convey a message of hope to the children watching him not only accept an award but understanding a message of hope. A message towards those looking to divide our American home. So in the words of JT...

Looks like the Oscars are trying to rid itself of the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag. After the two years of Academy Awards controversy over the lack of diversity, the nominees for the 2017 Oscars are more diverse than ever before.

In every category, a black actor is nominated!

According to people.com, this marks the first time in the Academy’s history that black actors have been nominated in every acting category — Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress — at the same time. (The closest to the record was in 2013, when three nominations were spread across three acting categories).

Here are the categories, the actors and actresses to be on the lookout for this Oscars season.

Film of the Year

​With big name films like Fences, Hidden FiguresMoonlight we couldn’t be more excited to know that a majority black film might actually have a chance at taking home such a prestigious award.

Source: People

In the Best Supporting Actress category, they were honored with three black nominees:

​Octavia Spencer (Hidden Figures)

Naomi Harris (Moonlight)

Viola Davis (Fences)

Source: Mic

​This is the first time more than one black actress has been nominated in this category since the Color Purple in 1985.

One of our favorite well renowned actresses is set to be the first to receive a big honor in 2017 and we couldn’t be more excited.

​On January 5, 2017 the well-deserved Viola Davis is set to receive her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! The Academy Award nominee has been seen in countless big name movies alongside actors and actresses that she holds her own against.

Davis is a familiar face from the big screens to television. Set to be released on Christmas Day, Viola co-stars in Fences alongside Denzel Washington and stars on her hit ABC television series How to Get Away with Murder as Annalise Keating.

Whether she’s on the big film screens or our television sets, she captivates her audience from beginning to end and will finally be immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with her own star.

Unlike this year’s #OscarsSoWhite which received backlash for snubbing artists of color nominations; seems to not be the case with the 2017 Golden Globe nominees announced Monday.

From the big screen to the television screen to even behind the screen, black artists in the film industry are breaking through Hollywood’s racial dominance and we are here for it!

​We decided to break down the categories of the artists to be on the lookout for this award season.

In the motion picture category the critically acclaimed film Moonlight received nominations for actor Mahershala Ali, director Barry Jenkins and even one under Best Motion Picture, Drama. Denzel Washington and Viloa Davis have received nods for Fences (of course), as well as actresses in the film Hidden Figures Naomie Harris and Octavia Spencer. The interracial love drama Loving stars Ruth Neggaand Joel Edgerton were both recognized for their roles.

Watched (and most likely DVR’d) on our television sets are hit shows that too have received Golden Globe nods. Courtney B. Vance and Sterling K. Brown are among the list of nominees for their roles as opposing lawyers in the breakout tv series The People vs. O.J. Simpson. Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross are nominated (yet again!) for Black-ish. Donald Glover earned a nod for his performance in his show Atlanta, and Kerry Washington is a Best Actress in a TV Movie or Limited Series nominee for playing Anita Hill in Confirmation. Actress and creator of HBO sensational show Issa Rae and Thandie Newton in Westworld have each earned their first nod for their roles on breakthrough shows this year.

​We want to wish nothing but luck to these fellow actors, actresses, and directors who have been acknowledged for their craft. All that we ask is for opportunity, recognition for our work, and equality. We want to have as much of a chance as a white actor/actress when it comes to getting a nomination and NOT just for being black. No handouts for awards but TRUE and earned nominations.

Be on the lookout for the Golden Globes which is set to premiere January 8, 2017.

It must have been in Kelly Rowlands destiny to share what she knows about what to expect when a little person enters your life as a new mom.

Rowland who is the mother of 2-year-old Titan Jewell, is set to release a guide for expecting and first time mothers in her tell all book Whoa, Baby! : A Guide for New Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed and Freaked Out (And Wonder What the #*@& Just Happened.

She was inspired to write this book with help from OB-GYN Dr. Tristan Emily Bickman in the hopes to creating an answer as to what to expect after childbirth.

According to niyitabiti.net Kelly stated, “No one told me what to expect physically, emotionally, or mentally. The purpose of ‘Whoa, Baby!’ is to comfort the mother and give her knowledge of what’s going on with her. We cover everything!”

It seems as though we will learn a lot about her own personal experiences that she faced along with those that shared the experience around her.

​Aside from being a singer, songwriter, actress, ect she now gets to add author to her extensive list.

Chance the Rapper is one of the few artists that speak out against social injustices against the black community and now he is bringing recognition to the adversity in the music industry.

​Having achieved success without being signed to any record label, he is a self-made sensation that has genuine supporters of his music. From many well-known artists like Kanye West and the all mighty Beyoncé, Chance is using his stage to now speak up about the challenges artists still have to face.

According to peoplemusic.com, when asked what the one issue in society he would use his platform to affect, Chance said,

​“I’d change the entire world’s value of black American ingenuity and opinion.”

He hopes to be able to make a difference and change the mindsets of spectators. He then went on the discuss how people of color and women face pretty much the same ­challenges that they face throughout the rest of the world in terms of being overlooked, under-appreciated and held back from a lot of opportunities.

Colorism and racism don’t stop when you’re a musician or when you have wealth or when you’re in any given position.

​The first step in creating this change is bring awareness to the issue, allowing others to see the problem and working towards making the industry more inclusive.

Who can resist laughing till your belly aches when it comes to Kevin Hart and his hilarious comedy sketches?

From sold out shows to acting alongside big names in films, Kevin sure does have a lot of Hart and is getting his name forever remembered on a star in Hollywood (about time!) for his work.

Just four days before the release of his stand-up comedy film “Kevin Hart: What Now?” hits theaters, Kevin is being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

​This comedian and actor was honored Monday, alongside his beautiful family (including ex-wife Torrei) and co-stars from past films such as Ice Cube and Halle Berry who all were there to show support for Kevin and this great achievement.

Rihanna is putting in work towards making sure all boys and girls receive a quality education.

Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation has partnered up with Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and Global Citizen on a multi-year initiative in order to support education across the globe.

According to a press release, Rihanna joined a campaign that will advocate for 250 million children across 60 developing countries to receive a quality education, prioritizing “the poorest and most vulnerable” areas for financial relief. Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation will encourage world leaders to put greater emphasis on global learning.

The Barbadian native hopes to advocate education for children that are not enrolled and those currently in school that are unable to learn in the school they are in.

According to theboombox.com Rihanna stated:

By operating across more than 60 developing countries to ensure that every child receives a quality education, the partnership will prioritize the poorest and most vulnerable, including girls and children affected by conflict and crisis.

​Rihanna is a superstar on and off stage and she is making sure kids across the globe to aspire to be the same.

Can we take a minute and appreciate the phenomenal actress that is Tracee Ellis Ross?

She not only paved a way for herself apart from her Supreme mother Diana Ross, but is now the first black woman in 30 years to be nominated for an outstanding lead actress in a comedy series at this year’s Emmy’s!

The last black actress to be nominated for this award was Phylicia Rashad in 1986 where she was nominated for her role as Clair Huxtable in The Cosby Show.

Ross has received this nomination for her portrayal of Dr. Rainbow “Bow” Johnson in the hit ABC show "black-ish".

The first and only black actress to ever win the lead comedy actress Emmy award was Isabel Sanford from "The Jefferson’s," in 1981.

​Let’s see if Tracee can join Sanford and take home an award at this year’s Emmy’s.

When she still refused to sit down, Knowles wrote that the incident resulted in the women pelting her with trash and a lime wedge.

After tweeting her experience, she received criticism and was blamed for what took place. Victim blaming in situations such as this puts a hand over the mouths of those who already have their hands tied behind their backs.

"I'm just going to share my experience ... So that maybe someone will understand, why many of us don't feel safe ... in many white spaces," she tweeted.

Solange later deleted all of her tweets about her time at the concert and instead published an essay on Sunday titled ‘And Do You Belong? I Do’ on her website Saint Heron. Where she explained why the incident was not isolated, and why her response should not be treated as celebrity gossip.

She stated that she didn't feel as though the people she encountered "do not like black people", but instead were a "product of their white supremacy and are exercising it on you without caution, care, or thought".

​It all comes down to the tone of things and how things are said. She explains this in her article:

"Many times the tone just simply says, 'I do not feel you belong here.'

By writing her own essay about the incident, Knowles chose to focus on how she hoped to take control of the conversation, avoiding the focus of what SHE could have done to deserve the treatment she received which is not the issue at hand.